Dictionary
clutch
Pronunciation: (kluch), [key]—
v.t.
1. to seize with or as with the hands or claws; snatch:
The bird swooped down and clutched its prey with its claws.
2. to grip or hold tightly or firmly:
She clutched the child's hand as they crossed the street.
3. Slang.to spellbind; grip a person's emotions, attention, or interest:
Garbo movies really clutch me.
—
v.i.
1. to try to seize or grasp (usually fol. by
at):
He clutched at the fleeing child. She clutched at the opportunity.
2. Slang.to become tense with fright; panic (sometimes fol. by
up):
I clutched up on the math exam.
3. to operate the clutch in a vehicle.
—
n.
1. the hand, claw, etc., when grasping.
2. Usually,
clutches. power of disposal or control; mastery:
She fell into the clutches of the enemy.
3. the act of clutching; a snatch or grasp.
4. a tight grip or hold.
5. a device for gripping something.
6. Auto., Mach.
a. a mechanism for readily engaging or disengaging a shaft with or from another shaft or rotating part. Cf.
coupling (def. 2a).
b. a control, as a pedal, for operating this mechanism.
7. Sports.an extremely important or crucial moment of a game:
He was famous for his coolness in pitching in the clutch.
8. any critical position or situation; emergency:
She kept complete control in the clutch.
9. Also called
clutch bag, clutch purse. a woman's small purse that can be carried in the hand and usually has no handle or strap.
—
adj.
1. done or accomplished in a critical situation:
a clutch shot that won the basketball game.
2. dependable in crucial situations:
a clutch player.
3. (of a coat) without fasteners; held closed in front by one's hand or arm.
clutch
Pronunciation: (kluch), [key]—
n.
1. a hatch of eggs; the number of eggs produced or incubated at one time.
2. a brood of chickens.
3. a number of similar individuals:
a clutch of books; a whole clutch of dancers.
—
v.t.
to hatch (chickens).
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
